How has the overall NHS waiting list changed recently?

The overall NHS waiting list has fallen for the second consecutive month, with an estimated 7.29 million treatments pending at the end of December 2025.

What concerns have been raised about NHS waiting list reductions?

Experts are concerned that reductions may be due to "list cleaning," where patients are removed for reasons other than receiving treatment, with significant government spending on these exercises.

Home / Health / NHS Crisis: 12-Hour A&E Waits Hit Record High

NHS Crisis: 12-Hour A&E Waits Hit Record High

Q: What are the latest figures for long waits in NHS A&E departments?

In January, over 71,517 patients waited more than 12 hours for a hospital bed after the decision to admit them, the highest number since records began in August 2010.

12 Feb

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Summary

January saw over 71,000 patients wait more than 12 hours for a hospital bed.
Overall NHS waiting lists have dropped for the second consecutive month.
Concerns arise over 'list cleaning' methods reducing waiting list numbers.

NHS Crisis: 12-Hour A&E Waits Hit Record High

The number of patients experiencing prolonged waits of over 12 hours in NHS A&E departments has surged to a record high. In January, 71,517 individuals waited more than 12 hours for a hospital bed after the decision to admit them, a significant rise from December's figure of 50,775. This marks the highest number recorded since monthly statistics began in August 2010.

Despite these critical A&E delays, overall NHS waiting lists have seen a reduction for the second consecutive month. Figures indicate approximately 7.29 million treatments were pending at the end of December 2025, down from 7.31 million in November. However, experts like those at the Nuffield Trust have raised concerns about the methods used for these reductions, particularly "list cleaning," which involves removing patients who no longer require treatment for various reasons. The government has spent over £18.8 million on such validation exercises between April and September 2025.